PORTFOLIO OF EXCEPTIONAL CHESTNUT PARK PROPERTIES Prince Edward County

Sunset in beautiful PEC, Ontario. Canada. Photo by: Taylor Nullmeyer

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY, an island on the north shore of Lake Ontario, is only two hours east of Toronto. Serious foodies and casual weekenders alike gravitate here, to Ontario’s fastest growing wine region. With more than 35 wineries, many with full-service gourmet restaurants, Prince Edward County has become a rural hot spot. As well as trendy shopping, museums, and a busy live-music scene, Prince Edward County offers hiking and cycling trails, kayaking opportunities, and the white sandy beaches of Sandbanks Provincial Park. The homes in The County vary from beautiful century and Victorian homes to small cottages, and farmhouses. Many of the homes are being renovated and redesigned to complement the evolution of The County and the tastes of newcomers, both weekenders and fulltime residents.

Prince Edward County boasts an increasing number of upscale restaurants, a booming craft beer scene, a farmer’s market, charming bed-and-breakfasts and, everywhere, a spirit of friendliness.

THREE DOG WINERY - THE OPPORTUNITY TO REINVENT YOURSELF IN PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY Prince Edward County, Ontario Offered at: $3,950,000

Looking for a change-of-pace? We have just what you need. This well established winery offers 101 acres of prime land. Ten acres of vines provide excellent revenue, with room to expand. Includes dramatically-modern residence, separate fully licensed Loft rental, tasting room with deck and pergolas for 200 plus guests, wine production building, garage, outdoor pizza ovens, and 15 acres of sugar bush. 5 wines featured in the LCBO. Endless possibilities to grow. lauriegruerhomes.com

Laurie Gruer* Office: 613 471 1708 Monica Klingenberg* Office: 613 471 1708 www.lauriegruerhomes.com

WATERFRONT BUNGALOW ON PICTON BAY – WITH ONE OF THE LAST GRANDFATHERED DRY BOATHOUSES! Prince Edward County, Ontario Offered at: $1,100,000

3-bed, 2-bath bungalow on almost 1.5 acres with 47’ of pebble waterfront, just minutes to town. Open concept kitchen/dining, split bedroom plan; master suite faces waterfront with w/o to deck to capture the views. Living room with water views is the perfect place to curl up with a good book in the winter with the wood stove burning. The waterfront side deck is perfect for outdoor entertaining. Lower level with walk-up to garage includes a rec room, workshop, laundry room, utility room. Enjoy sunsets on the dock or on the cantilevered deck.

Sam Simone*

Farm Fresh:

Farm Stands and Markets Pack the Flavour of the County

BY ANDREW HIND PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEIL CARBONE

Farm stands scattered throughout Prince Edward County offer tomatoes in a thousand shades of red, sunflowers as gold as their namesake, and striking fresh greens and herbs.

Everybody knows that Prince Edward County is tops for wine; with 21 wineries, it’s second only to Niagara, in Ontario, for wine production. But don’t underestimate the region’s other agricultural offerings. “The County’s become famous for its terroir, the rocky soil that makes it a prime grape growing region,” explains Karen Palmer, Destination Development & Marketing Coordinator for the County of Prince Edward. “And Prince Edward County farmers know just how much effort it takes to coax a harvest from that same soil! That’s what makes it taste so good - it’s picked fresh, by people who’ve been working the land for generations.” Here’s where to go for the best farm-fresh produce in the region:

CAMPBELL’S ORCHARD & COUNTRY MARKET, 1633 County Road 3, Carrying Place

Campbell’s Orchards claim that they offer the most diverse selection of apples by at least a country mile. It may not be an idle boast – there are 25 varieties growing fat and juicy on the trees. Not surprisingly, there’s also fresh-pressed sweet apple cider, home-baking, preserves, locally milled flours, and vegetables.

DANFORTH ACRES, 1106 Danforth Road, Hillier

Danforth Acres is the place to go for local sweet corn, a true taste of Ontario summer. But the farm produces more than just corn by the earful. Step into the barn and serve yourself to kale, peas, potatoes, peas, Swiss chard, and free-range eggs.

PORTICO GARDENS, 1475 County Road 2, Bloomfield

Portico Gardens is a certified organic fruit and vegetable market garden. They grow an eclectic mix of produce – everything from artichokes, beans and beets to heirloom tomatoes, purple carrots, herbs and microgreens. Oh, and lots of aromatic garlic – enough to curl a werewolf’s toes.

HONEY PIE HIVES AND HERBALS, 705 County Road 24, Milford

Follow buzzing bees to Milford for the sweetest honey you’re ever likely to taste. Bay Woodward and Gavin North are passionate beekeepers, known for their honey and honey-products, including beeswax candles and mead, a wine made from honey. They also grow organic herbs. The two complementary vocations fuse together delightfully in the delicious lavender honey.

HAYSTROM FARM, 578 Bethel Road, Picton

A chef classically trained in French cuisine, Jim Hayward appreciates the distinctive flavours of each variety of fruit and vegetable – many of them unknown to the average consumer who shops at a chain grocery store. He’s made it his mission to reintroduce old and obscure varieties of heirloom fruits and vegetables on his five-acre farm. Currently, he’s at 400 varieties and counting.

Passion for growing and raising produce is a common thread binding all PEC farmers.

Canadians are increasingly interested in buying food from local sources and making a connection with those who produce their food, explaining the growth in popularity of farm stands and markets.

Passion for growing and raising produce is a common thread binding all PEC farmers.

Prince Edward County is getting known for its fruit and vegetables. “It’s picked fresh, by people who’ve been working the land for generations,” explains Karen Palmer, Destination Development & Marketing Coordinator for the County of Prince Edward. Farm stands scattered throughout the bucolic setting offer everything from tomatoes and herbs to maple syrup and cut flowers.

HAGERMAN FARMS, 13644 Loyalist Parkway, Picton

Hagerman Farms has been in the family since 1905, so little wonder it’s among The County’s best known and most popular farm stands. They offer a wide range of vegetables through the growing season, including jumbo pumpkins in the autumn. Diets can wait because you’ll want to indulge in some of the homemade treats from their on-site bakery.